Vaccine composition comprising virus-like particles of human papillomavirus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising VLPs containing L1 proteins or functional L1 protein derivatives from HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45 genotypes.

The present invention relates to vaccines against HPV. In particular the invention relates to vaccines comprising virus like particles (VLPs), especially virus like particles comprising proteins from human papilloma virus (HPV).

Papillomaviruses are small DNA tumour viruses, which are highly species specific. So far, over 100 individual human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes have been described. HPVs are generally specific either for the skin (e.g. HPV-1 and -2) or mucosal surfaces (e.g. HPV-6 and -11) and usually cause benign tumours (warts) that persist for several months or years. Such benign tumours may be distressing for the individuals concerned but tend not to be life threatening, with a few exceptions.

Some HPVs are also associated with cancers. The strongest positive association between an HPV and human cancer is that which exists between HPV-16 and HPV-18 and cervical carcinoma. Cervical cancer is the most common malignancy in developing countries, with about 500,000 new cases occurring in the world each year. It is now technically feasible to actively combat primary HPV-16 infections, and even established HPV-16-containing cancers, using vaccines. For a review on the prospects for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against HPV-16 see Cason J., Clin. Immunother. 1994; 1(4) 293–306 and Hagenesee M. E., Infections in Medicine 1997 14(7) 555–556, 559–564.

Although minor variations do occur, all HPVs genomes described have at least eight early genes, E1 to E8 and two late genes L1 and L2. In addition, an upstream regulatory region harbors the regulatory sequences which appear to control most transcriptional events of the HPV genome.

HPV L1 based vaccines are disclosed in WO94/00152, WO94/20137, WO93/02184 and WO94/05792. Such a vaccine can comprise the L1 antigen as a monomer, a capsomer or a virus like particle. Methods for the preparation of VLPs are well known in the art, and include VLP disassembly-reassembly approaches to provide enhanced homogeneity, for example as described in WO9913056 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,568. Such particles may additionally comprise L2 proteins. L2 based vaccines are described, for example, in WO93/00436. Other HPV vaccines are based on the Early proteins, such as E7 or fusion proteins such as L2-E7.

Despite the work on HPV vaccines there is still no broadly effective vaccine against cervical cancer.

The present invention relates to an improved vaccine against human papilloma virus.

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising VLPs containing L1 proteins or functional L1 protein derivatives from HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45.

The invention also relates to a method of vaccine production, the method comprising combining VLPs containing L1 proteins or functional L1 protein derivatives from HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45.

The invention further relates to use of a mixture of VLPs containing L1 proteins or functional L1 protein derivatives from HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45 in the preparation of a vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer.

The invention further relates to a method of preventing cervical cancer, the method comprising delivering to an individual at risk of cervical cancer an effective amount of a vaccine as described above, such as a vaccine comprising a mixture of HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV31 and HPV 45 VLPs.

The VLPs of the present invention can be formed from either the full length HPV L1 protein or certain L1 derivatives using standard methods in the art, for example as disclosed in WO99/13056 incorporated herein by reference.

It is preferred that the L1 protein used to form the VLP is a truncated L1 protein. Preferably at least one of the VLPs comprises a truncated L1 protein, and preferably all the L1 proteins in the combination vaccine are truncated L1 proteins. Preferably the truncation removes a nuclear localisation signal. Preferably the truncation is a C-terminal truncation. Preferably the C-terminal truncation removes fewer than 50 amino acids, more preferably fewer than 40 amino acids. Most preferably the C terminal truncation removes 34 amino acids from HPV 16 and 35 amino acids from HPV 18.

Truncated L1 proteins are suitably functional L1 protein derivatives. Functional L1 protein derivatives are capable of raising an immune response (if necessary, when suitably adjuvanted), said immune response being capable of recognising a VLP consisting of the full length L1 protein and/or the HPV type from which the L1 protein was derived.

VLPs of the invention may also comprise other types of functional protein derivatives, including mutants of the full length or truncated HPV L1 proteins such as deletion, substitution, or insertion mutants. Suitable derivatives also include codon optimised sequences. The L1 protein or derivative may also be a fusion protein, such as the fusion of the L1 protein with L2 or an early protein. Preferably fusion proteins comprise proteins from only one HPV genotype. VLPs made from chimaeric L1 proteins in which L1 proteins from one genotype are linked to L1 proteins from other genotypes are not preferred.

The L1 protein or functional protein derivative is suitably able to form a VLP, and VLP formation can be assessed by standard techniques such as, for example, electron microscopy and dynamic laser light scattering.

Preferably the polydispersity of the VLPs is less than 0.15, most preferably less than 0.1 and more preferably less than 0.08 when measured using a Malvem Zetasizer 3000HS under conditions as described herein.

Use of the term ‘protein’ or reference to a specific protein e.g. ‘L1’ is hereinafter taken to include reference to functional protein derivatives, unless otherwise indicated or obviously apparent from the context.

In a preferred aspect of the invention the vaccine of the invention has only four VLP types—HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45 VLPs. Preferably the VLPs are L1—only VLPs from each of these 4 genotypes.

Alternatively, and most preferred, the vaccine comprises an additional HPV valency, making a pentavalent vaccine. Preferably the additional valency is a VLP comprising an L1 protein or functional derivative, as above, from one of HPV 52, 53, 58, 33, 35, 56, and 59. Preferably the 5^(th) genotype is HPV 33 when the vaccine is for use in South America or HPV 52, 53 or 58 when the vaccine is for use in Asia.

The present invention also extends to vaccines comprising 2 or more additional valencies, to provide a vaccine with 6 or more genotypes.

In one preferred embodiment the combination excludes VLPs from HPV 6a, 6b or HPV 11 genotypes.

Preferably the vaccine of the invention is at least 55% effective in preventing cervical cancer, more preferably 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% preferably 80% or even more effective in prevention of cervical cancer. For the avoidance of doubt, % efficacy in prevention of cervical cancer means protection against all cervical cancer induced by HPV infection, and not just protection against cancer caused by one genotype. Prevention may be suitably assessed over 1 year post initial vaccination, although preferred vaccines are equally effective over 2, 3, 4, 5 or more years. The % efficacy can be increased by selecting appropriate HPV genotypes to target the vaccine formulation to specific geographical areas.

Preferably the combination of VLPs within the vaccine does not reduce the immunogenicity of each VLP type. In particular it is preferred that there is no interference between HPV VLPs in the combination of the invention, such that the combined VLP vaccine of the invention is able to offer effective protection against infection by each HPV genotype represented in the vaccine. Suitably the immune response against a given VLP type in the combination is at least 50% of the immune response of that same VLP type when measured individually, preferably 100% or substantially 100%. For responses to the HPV 16 and HPV 18 VLPs, the combined vaccine of the invention preferably stimulates an immune response which is at least 50% of that provided by a combined HPV 16/HPV 18 VLP vaccine. Suitably the immune response generated by the vaccine of the invention is at a level in which the protective effect of each VLP type is still seen. The immune response may suitably be measured, for example, by antibody responses, as illustrated herein.

The vaccine of the invention may be used to treat or prevent HPV infection and/or disease. For example the vaccine may be used therapeutically to reduce viral load and/or infections that lead to cervical carcinoma or CIN III sequelae. The invention thus relates to use of the vaccine of the invention in the therapeutic treatment of diseases related to HPV infection and in prophylaxis of infection or disease. The invention also relates to use of the VLP combination of the invention in generation of an immune response against HPV 16, 18, 31 and 45.

The vaccine of the invention may optionally be formulated with VLPs which provide protection against genital warts, such as VLPs containing L1 protein from HPV 6a, 6b and/or HPV 11 genotypes.

Preferably the VLPs comprise the HPV L1 protein only and no L2 protein or protein fragment.

Vaccines of the invention may comprise other proteins or protein fragments in addition to the L1 protein or derivative. Proteins/peptides may be delivered in chimaeric form with the L1 protein in the VLP, encapsulated within a VLP or co-formulated in a mixture with the VLP's. Other proteins or peptides may also be co-administered with the vaccine of the invention.

In one aspect the vaccine comprises an HPV L2 protein or L2 derivative such as an L2 peptide, for example as disclosed in K. Kawana et al Vaccine 19, (2001) p1496–1502, incorporated herein by reference. In a further preferred embodiment the vaccine of the invention may be formulated with HPV early antigens such as E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 or immunologically active derivatives thereof. When delivered in chimaeric form it is preferable to utilise an immunogenic fragment of about 30–60 amino acids of the early antigen.

Optionally the vaccine may also be formulated or co-administered with non-HPV antigens. Suitably these antigens can provide protection against other diseases, most preferably sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes simplex virus, chlamydia and HIV. We particularly prefer that the vaccine comprises gD or a truncate thereof from HSV, preferably the gD2t protein as described in WO 99/45957. In this way the vaccine provides protection against both HPV and HSV. Preferred HIV antigens are described in WO/9916884 and WO/0154719.

The present invention generally relates to a mixture of VLPs containing capsid proteins from HPV16, 18, 31 and 45, such as L1-only VLPs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention provides a vaccine comprising a mixture of HPV 16 VLPs, HPV 18 VLPs, HPV 31 VLPs and HPV 45 VLPs. Reference herein to HPV 16 VLPs, for example, is a reference to an L1 VLP wherein the L1 protein or L1 derivative is from HPV 16. The same nomenclature principle applies, by extension, to other VLPs described herein, such as HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45 VLPs.

Preferably each VLP contains L1 protein from only 1 HPV genotype. Such a vaccine may be formulated by production of individual VLPs from HPV 16, 18, 31 and 45, followed by combination of such VLPs. Preferably there are no other HPV proteins in the VLP other than L1.

Also preferred are VLPs containing proteins from only one HPV genotype, such as VLPs with L1 and L2 from HPV 16.

However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the VLPs may be mixed VLPs, a mixed VLP comprising L1 protein from one genotype in combination with L1 protein from a second genotype, wherein the different L1 proteins are not chimaeric L1 proteins, but associate together within the same capsid structure to form immunogenic VLPs.

Preferred combinations include any permutation of genotypes 16, 18, 31 and 45—for example, the invention may comprise a mixed HPV 16/HPV 18 VLP in combination with a mixed HPV31/HPV 45 VLP, or mixed 16/31 VLPS in combination with mixed 18/45 VLPs. Combinations of more than 2 L1 genotypes within 1 VLP are also contemplated.

Mixed VLPs may be produced by separate expression of the individual L1 proteins followed by combination to form VLPs, as exemplified herein. Alternatively multiple L1 proteins may be expressed within the same cell, from one or more DNA constructs. For example, multiple DNA constructs may be transformed or transfected into host cells, each vector encoding a different L1 protein. Alternatively a single vector having multiple L1 genes, controlled by a shared promoter or multiple individual promoters, may be used. IRES elements may also be incorporated into the vector, where appropriate. Using such expression strategies the co-expressed L1 proteins may be co-purified for subsequent VLP formation, or may spontaneously form mixed VLPs which can then be purified.

Where mixed VLPs are used, a preferred process for mixed VLP production comprises preparation of VLP L1 proteins or derivatives, such as L1 proteins, from different papillomavirus genotypes, mixing the proteins if necessary and assembly of the proteins to produce mixed VLPs. The L1 proteins may be in the form of a crude extract, be partially purified or purified prior to mixing. Preferably the proteins are at least partially purified before being combined. Optionally, further purification of the mixed VLPs may be carried out after assembly. Where additional antigens are used, then these may be added where appropriate.

In one embodiment mixed VLPs may be made by disassembly of 2 or more VLPs, followed by combination of the disassembled VLP components at any suitable point prior to reassembly. This approach is suitable when VLPs spontaneously form when the L1 protein is expressed, as occurs for example, in some yeast strains. Where the expression of the L1 protein does not lead to spontaneous VLP formation, preparations of L1 proteins or capsomers may be combined before assembly into VLPs.

Assembly of VLPs is generally achieved by removal of a reducing agent. As such, in mixed VLP production, the mixing of proteins preferably takes place prior to the removal of a reducing agent from the mixture of proteins. Preferably the production of mixed VLPs comprises the step of mixed VLP formation from a mixture of dissociated L1 proteins by removal of a reducing agent from the mixture under conditions that allow VLPs to form.

Preferably the reassembly process results from removal of a reducing agent such as β-mercaptoethanol.

It is, however, known that VLP formation is dependent upon pH, metal ions and salinity as well as the presence of a reducing agent. As such, under certain circumstances, it may be envisaged that VLPs might form in the presence of a reducing agent. It is only important to the invention that mixing of the proteins from different genotypes occurs prior to the change in environmental condition that allows the mixed VLPs to form, whether this is pH, metal ions, salinity, reducing environment or combination of these.

Where mixed VLPs are used, preferably the components of the VLPs are mixed in the proportions in which they are desired in the final mixed VLP. For example, a mixture of the same amount of a partially purified L1 protein from HPV 16 and HPV 18 provides a mixed VLP with approximately equal amounts of each protein.

Vaccine solutions comprising mixed VLPs may be stabilised by compositions known in the art, such as those of WO 98/44944, WO0045841, incorporated herein by reference.

For all vaccines of the invention, it is preferred that the vaccine is used for the vaccination of adolescent girls aged 10–15, preferably 10–13 years. The vaccine may also be administered to women following an abnormal pap smear or after surgery following removal of a lesion caused by HPV.

Preferably the vaccine is delivered in a 2 or 3 dose regime, for example in a 0, 1 month regime or 0, 1 and 6 month regime respectively. Suitably the vaccination regime incorporates a booster injection after 5 to 10 years, preferably 10 years.

Preferably the vaccine is a liquid vaccine formulation, although the vaccine may be lyophilised and reconstituted prior to administration.

The vaccines of the invention may also comprise adjuvants in combination with the VLPs. Suitably the VLPs of the invention are used in combination with aluminium, and are suitably adsorbed or partially adsorbed onto aluminium adjuvants. Also preferred are adjuvants which stimulate a Th1 type response such as 3DMPL or QS21. Suitably the adjuvant is an aluminium salt, preferably in combination with 3D MPL, such as aluminium phosphate and 3D-MPL.

A preferred adjuvant is aluminium hydroxide, with the combination of aluminium hydroxide with 3D-MPL especially preferred.

When VLPs are adsorbed on to aluminium containing adjuvants, the adjuvant is preferably added before mixing of the VLPs to form the final vaccine product.

The vaccine may also comprise aluminium or an aluminium compound as a stabiliser, and the present invention also relates to a stabilised combination vaccine wherein the VLPs are adsorbed onto an aluminium salt. Suitably the VLPs are more stable over time after adsorption onto an aluminium salt than in the absence of aluminium. Preferably stabilised VLPs are obtained or obtainable by methods according to example 1 section C3.

The vaccines of the invention may be provided by any of a variety of routes such as oral, topical, subcutaneous, musosal (typically intravaginal), intraveneous, intramuscular, intranasal, sublingual, intradermal and via suppository. Intramuscular and intradermal delivery are preferred.

The dosage of VLP and other proteins will vary with the condition, sex, age and weight of the individual, the administration route and HPV of the vaccine. The quantity may also be varied with the number of VLP types. Suitably the delivery is of an amount of VLP suitable to generate an immunologically protective response. Suitably each vaccine dose comprises 1–100 μg of each VLP, preferably 5–80 μg, more preferably 5–30 μg each VLP, most preferably 5–20 μg of each VLP with 5 μg, 6 μg, 10 μg, 15 μg or 20 μg especially preferred.

The multivalent vaccine of the present invention is suitably produced by combining purified L1 VLPs. Methods for the production of L1 VLPs are well known in the art, and include for example methods given in WO9531532, WO9615247, WO00/09671 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,526, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein.

Suitably the VLPs of the invention are made by disassembly and reassembly of VLPs, to provide homogenous and pure VLPs. Examples of suitable processes are given in WO0057906, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,568 and WO9913056.

Preferably the VLPs are prepared from insect cells such as Sf9 or Hi-5 cells, although any suitable cells such as E. coli or yeast cells, for example, S. cerevisiae S. pombe or Pichia sp. may also be used.

Preferably the purification of VLPs after L1 expression includes one or more of the steps of anion exchange chromatography (Di methyl amino ethyl—DMAE), anion exchange chromatography (tri methyl amino ethyl—TMAE), hydroxyapatite chromatography, filtration such as nanometric filtration or ultrafiltration, or hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Preferably at least one anion exchange step is performed during purification, and more preferably 2 anion exchange steps are used. Preferably at least one anion exchange purification step is performed prior to mixing the proteins. Optionally a UV irradiation step may be employed.

For the avoidance of doubt, the entire teaching of all documents referred to herein is incorporated by reference.

The present invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples and Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates mixed VLPs in comparison with HPV 16 VLPs as assessed by EM;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate size distribution of mixed VLPs;

FIG. 4 illustrates antibody responses against VLP 16 in a mixed HPV 16, 18, 31, 45 combination vaccine vs. an HPV 16 control;

FIG. 5 illustrates antibody responses against VLP 18 in a mixed HPV 16, 18, 31, 45 combination vaccine vs. an HPV 18 control;

FIG. 6 illustrates antibody responses against VLP 31 in a mixed HPV 16, 18, 31, 45 combination vaccine vs. an HPV 31 control; and

FIG. 7 illustrates antibody responses against VLP 45 in a mixed HPV 16, 18, 31, 45 combination vaccine vs. an HPV 45 control.

EXAMPLE 1

The combination of HPV 16 and HPV 18 L1 VLPs is detailed herein. L1 proteins from other HPV genotypes may be readily produced by similar methods, already known in the art.

A Preparation of HPV 16/18 L1 VLPs

Production of HPV 16 and HPV 18 VLPs was carried out using standard protocols—for example, see WO9913056. HPV 16/18 proteins were expressed in Trichoplusia ni (High Five™) cells (at a density of ˜350000 cells/ml) infected with recombinant Baculovirus (MOI of 0.3) encoding the HPV 16 or 18 μl gene of interest. Cells were harvested approximately 72 hours post infection.

B Cell Harvest/Antigen Extraction

The antigen (L1-16/18) was extracted from Hi5 cells in a three step process of concentration, extraction, clarification. The concentration step consists removes up to 90% of the culture medium, and was performed by tangential flow filtration. The extraction step was performed with a hypotonic buffer (Tris 20 mM, pH 8.5). A volume equal to the culture volume was used to perform the extraction. A contact time of minimum half an hour under smooth agitation was used. The clarification was performed by tangential flow filtration.

C Purification

The purification process was carried out at room temperature. β-mercaptoethanol (4% w/w) was added to the extract in order to disassemble the VLP's into capsomers, for both antigens, L1-16/18. Glycerol was added up to a concentration of w/w 10% just prior to the addition of β-mercaptoethanol.

All buffers used were filtered on 0.22 μm filters prior to storage at 2° C.–8° C. Prior to each purification run, gel matrixes are sanitised and equilibrated with appropriate buffer before sample loading.

Purification regiemes are given for the separate purification of L1 from both HPV 16 and 18. These schemes are broadly similar, and involve the steps of:

-   Anion exchange chromatography (Di methyl amino ethyl—DMAE), -   Anion exchange chromatography (tri methyl amino ethyl—TMAE), -   Hydroxyapatite chromatography, -   Nanometric filtration (Planova), -   Ultrafiltration, -   Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (using Octyl Sepharose) for     HPV 18 or -   Anion exchange chromatography (DEAE) for HPV 16; and -   Sterile filtration.     Specifically:     C1 Purification of L1-18 Antigen     Anion Exchange Chromatography DMAE

The clarified extract (protein at a concentration of ˜1 g/ml, with the L1 protein at ˜150 mg/ml) is applied to an anion exchange column (Di Methyl Amino Ethyl). Elution is performed with (Tris 20 mM|NaCl 200 mM|4% β-mercaptoethanol BME) buffer, pH 7.9±0.2. The antigen is eluted in approximately 5 column volumes and the elution profile is monitored at 280 nm.

Anion Exchange Chromatography TMAE

The eluate of the first step is diluted with 1 volume of H₂O/BME 4%. The diluted eluate is then applied to a second anion exchange column (Tri Methyl Amino Ethyl). Elution is performed with (20 mM Tris|NaCl 200 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 7.9±0.2. The antigen is eluted in approximately 4 column volumes and the elution profile is monitored at 280 nm.

Hydroxyapatite Chromatography

The eluate of the TMAE step is applied to a hydroxyapatite (HA) column. After sample application, the gel is eluted with approximately 2.5 column volumes of (NaH₂PO₄ 100 mM|NaCl 30 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 6.0±0.2.

Nanometric Filtration (Planova)

The HA eluate is diluted in order to reach the following conditions: (NaH₂PO₄ 25 mM|NaCl 10 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 7.5±0.2.

Then it is filtered successively on a 0.2 μm prefilter and on a Planova 15N filter of 0.12 m². The filtration is performed at constant pressure 200 mbar±20 mbar.

Ultrafiltration

The ultrafiltration is performed with a tangential flow ultrafiltration system equipped with polyethersulfone membranes (Centramate cassette 0.1 m², 100 kD).

The Planova eluate is treated to reach the following conditions: (NaH₂PO₄ 100 mM|NaCl 30 mM|4% BME), pH 6.0±0.2; then it is loaded in the system, concentrated 5 fold and dia-filtrated with continuous injection of ˜10 starting volumes of (NaH₂PO₄ 20 mM|NaCl 500 mM) buffer, pH 6.0±0.2.

Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (Octyl Sepharose)

The ultrafiltration permeate is applied to an Octyl Sepharose column.

This chromatography step is run in the negative mode with approximately 5 column volumes of (Na₃PO₄ 20 mM|NaCl 500 mM) buffer, pH 6.0±0.2.

Sterile Filtration

The purified L1-18 antigen solution is sterilised by filtration on a 0.22 μm membrane.

C2 Purification of L1-16 Antigen

Anion Exchange Chromatography DMAE

The clarified extract is applied to an anion exchange column (Di Methyl Amino Ethyl).

Elution is performed with (Tris 20 mM|NaCl 180 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 7.9±0.2. The antigen is eluted in approximately 4 column volumes and the elution profile is monitored at 280 nm.

Anion Exchange Chromatography TMAE

The eluate of the first step is diluted with 1 volume of H₂O/BME 4%. The diluted eluate is then applied to a second anion exchange column (Tri Methyl Amino Ethyl). Elution is performed with (20 mM Tris|NaCl 180 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 7.9±0.2. The antigen is eluted in approximately 5 column volumes and the elution profile is monitored at 280 nm.

Hydroxyapatite Chromatography (HA)

The eluate of the TMAE step is applied to a HA column.

After sample application, the gel is eluted with approximately 3 column volumes of (NaH₂PO₄ 100 mM|NaCl 30 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 6.0±0.2.

Nanometric Filtration (Planova)

The HA eluate is diluted in order to reach the following conditions: (NaH₂PO₄ 25 mM|NaCl 10 mM|4% BME) buffer, pH 7.5±0.2.

Then it is filtered successively on a 0.2 μm prefilter and on a Planova 15N filter of 0.12 m². The filtration is performed at constant pressure 200 mbar±20 mbar.

Ultrafiltration

The ultrafiltration is performed with a tangential flow ultrafiltration system equipped with polyethersulfone membranes (Centramate cassette 0.1 m², 100 kD).

The Planova eluate is treated to reach the following conditions: (NaH₂PO₄ 100 mM|NaCl 30 mM|4% BME), pH 6.0±0.2; then it is loaded in the system, concentrated 5 fold and dia-filtrated with continuous injection of ˜10 starting volumes of (NaH₂PO₄ 20 mM|NaCl 500 mM) buffer, pH 6.0±0.2.

Anion Exchange Chromatography DEAE

The ultrafiltration eluate is adjusted to the conductivity of the equilibrium buffer, (Na₃PO₄ 20 mM|NaCl 250 mM), pH 6.0±0.2 and applied on an anion exchange column (Di Ethyl Amino Ethyl).

Elution is performed with (NaH₂PO₄ 20 mM|NaCl 500 mM) buffer, pH 6.0±0.2. The antigen is eluted in approximately 3 column volumes and the elution profile is monitored at 280 nm.

Sterile Filtration

The purified L1-16 antigen solution is sterilised by filtration on a 0.22 μm membrane.

C3

Each VLP type is adsorbed independently to produce a concentrated adsorbed monovalent.

Preparation of VLP16 concentrated adsorbed monovalent:

60 μg of purified VLPs from HPV16 are adsorbed on 150 μg Al³⁺ from Al(OH)₃, at a pH of 6.0±0.2, for one hour at room temperature with gentle stirring. This concentrated adsorbed monovalent is stored at +4° C. Adsorption is checked by centrifuging the preparation and quantifying VLPs in the supernatant.

Preparation of VLP18 concentrated adsorbed monovalent:

60 μg of purified VLPs from HPV18 are adsorbed on 150 μg Al³⁺ from Al(OH)₃, at a pH of 6.0±0.2, for one hour at room temperature with gentle stirring. This concentrated adsorbed monovalent is stored at +4° C. Adsorption is checked by centrifuging the preparation and quantifying VLPs in the supernatant.

D Final Vaccine Preparation:

Concentrated adsorbed monovalents prepared by the above method were combined to form a suspension containing 20 μg each VLP per dose. Final vaccine is stored at +4° C.

Addition of VLPs from HPV 31 and 45 at a concentration of 20 μg each VLP completes the tetravalent vaccine.

The combined adsorbed bulks, or individual adsorbed bulks, may be further mixed with adjuvants such as 3D-MPL.

EXAMPLE 2

A Preparation of HPV 16/18 L1 VLPs

Production of HPV 16 and HPV 18 VLPs was carried out using standard protocols—as above.

B Formation of Mixed VLPs

The process of the invention involves dissassembly and then reassembly of the HPV 16 and 18 VLPs such that the reassembly of HPV L1 16 and 18 is carried out together to permit the formation of a mixed VLP.

The HPV 16 and 18 VLPs may be combined at any suitable point in the above process prior to the point at which the VLPs are reassembled.

By way of example 2 specific strategies have been tested:

-   1 mixing of both antigens after the HA step. Based on the L1     concentration in HA pools, the two components are mixed to reach an     equal concentration of HPV16 and 18 to start the UF step. In this     case after the ultrafiltration step an Octyl speharose step is     performed as for HPV 18 purification followed by a DEAE step as     performed in the HPV 16 procedure. -   2 mixing of both extracts and copurify. Based on the L1     concentration in Extracts, the two valences are mixed to reach an     equal concentration of HPV16 and 18 to start the DMAE step. Again,     after the ultrafiltration step an Octyl speharose step is performed     as for HPV 18 followed by a DEAE step as performed in the HPV 16     procedure.

HPV16-HPV18 VLP-Mixed at DMAE Step

The same flow sheet is applied but the mixing is performed at the DMAE step instead of the UF step. The concentration used for elution at the anion exchange DMAE TMAE steps is 200 mM.

Results

HPV16HPV18 VLP-Mixed at UF Step

2 lots of mixed VLPs (lot numbers 31b165c and 31b166c) were produced by combining HPV 16 and HPV 18 L1 proteins.

Purity By SDS-Page

The purity of the mixed VLP's was as good as both “classical” HPV 16 or HPV 18 bulks. The purity of the bulks was higher than 95%.

EM Data—FIG. 1

The EM of 31B165C (UF Retentate after maturation) was compared to a classical HPV16 lot (39B122c). VLP's were well formed, homogeneous in size, without aggregation; some ribbons of capsomeres are present in both experiments.

Size Distribution

The size distribution of the VLP's were determined using a Malvern Zetasizer 3000 HS.

The samples were measured undiluted into a plastic cuvette for Malvern analysis (800 μl/cuvette).

The technical conditions were:

-   -   laser wavelength: 532 nm,     -   laser power: 50 mW,     -   scattered light detected at 90°,     -   temperature: 25° C.,     -   duration: automatic determination by the software,     -   number: 3 consecutive measurements,     -   z-average diameter: by cumulants analysis,         size distribution: by the Contin method.

-   Classical results for HPV18 L1-VLP's are: 70–80 nm with good     polydispersity (<0.1)

-   Classical results for HPV16 L1-VLP's are: 60–70 nm with good     polydispersity (<0.1)

For mixed VLP's, the following results were obtained:

-   31 B165c: 85 nm with good polydispersity (0.08). VLP's are almost     completely formed at the beginning of maturation -   31 B166c: 76 nm with good polydispersity (0.08).

The size distribution of lot 31 B165c and 31 B166c as measured by dynamic laser light scattering is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

HPV16-HPV18 VLP Mixed at DMAE Step

Lot n°.31B167B was made up from lots E18L1C005 (HPV18) and 39B167 (HPV16).

Purity By SDS-Page

The purity of the mixed VLP's was as good as both “classical” bulks.

The purity of the bulks was higher than 95%.

Size Distribution

The size distribution of the VLP's were determined by using a Malvern Zetasizer 3000 HS.

-   Classical results for HPV18 L1-VLP's are: 70–80 nm with good     polydispersity (<0.1) -   Classical results for HPV16 L1-VLP's are: 60–70 nm with good     polydispersity (<0.1)

For mixed VLP's, the following results were obtained:

-   HPV16-HPV18 31B167B: 74 nm with good polydispersity (0.07). VLP's     were almost completely formed at the beginning of maturation

EXAMPLE 3 Production of a Mixed HPV 16, 18, 31, 45 Combination Vaccine

Introduction

An immunogenicity study was performed in Balb/C mice using a combination of C-terminally truncated L1 VLPs 16, 18, 31 & 45 adjuvanted with alum+3D-MPL (herein ‘adjuvant A’—50 μg aluminium salt and 5 μg 3D MPL).

4 groups of 10 mice were immunised twice intramuscularly on day 0 and 21 respectively with:

-   1. VLP 31 (2 μg)/adjuvant A -   2. VLP 45 (2 μg)/adjuvant A -   3. VLP 16 (2 μg) and VLP 18 (2 μg)/adjuvant A -   4. VLP 16 (2 μg), VLP 18 (2 μg), VLP 31 (2 μg), VLP 45 (2     μg)/adjuvant A

Antibody responses against VLPs 16, 18, 31 and 45 were monitored on sera taken at day 35 (14 days post dose II).

Results are shown in FIGS. 4–7.

Antibody Response Against VLP 16

-   -   Strong antibody responses are induced in post II sera by either         VLP16 formulated with VLP 18 on adjuvant A (group 3) or by the         full combo (group 4)     -   Similar level of antibodies directed against VLP 16 are measured         in both groups and no interference is observed.         Antibody Response Against VLP 18     -   Strong antibody responses are induced in post II sera by either         VLP18 formulated with VLP 16 on adjuvant A (group 3) or by the         full combo (group 4).     -   Similar level of antibodies directed against VLP 18 are measured         in both groups (less than 1.5 fold difference) and no         interference was observed.         Antibody Response Against VLP 31     -   Strong antibody responses are induced in post II sera by either         VLP31 formulated alone on adjuvant A (group 1) or by the full         combo (group 4).     -   Similar level of antibodies directed against VLP 31 are measured         in both groups, therefore no interference is observed.         Antibody response against VLP 45     -   Strong antibody responses are induced in post II by either VLP         45 formulated alone on adjuvant A (group 2) or by the full combo         (group 4).     -   Similar level of antibodies directed against VLP 45 are measured         in both groups, thus no interference is observed.

CONCLUSIONS

No interference is observed when the four VLPs (VLPs16, 18, 31 & 45) are delivered as a combination. 

1. A vaccine composition comprising an HPV 16 VLP; an HPV 18 VLP; an HPV 31 VLP; an HPV 45 VLP; and an adjuvant.
 2. A vaccine composition comprising an HPV 16 VLP which comprises an HPV 16 L1 protein or an HPV 16 functional L1 protein derivative, an HPV 18 VLP which comprises an HPV 18 L1 protein or an HPV 18 functional L1 protein derivative, an HPV 31 VLP comprises an HPV 31 L1 protein or an HPV 31 functional L1 protein derivative, an HPV 45 VLP which comprises an HPV 45 L1 protein or an HPV 45 functional L1 protein derivative, and an adjuvant.
 3. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the HPV 16 VLP consists of an HPV 16 L1 protein or an HPV 16 functional L1 protein derivative, the HPV 18 VLP consists of an HPV 18 L1 protein or an HPV 18 functional L1 protein derivative, the HPV 31 VLP consists of an HPV 31 L1 protein or an HPV 31 functional L1 protein derivative and the HPV 45 VLP consists of an HPV 45 L1 protein or an HPV 45 functional L1 protein derivative.
 4. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein at least one VLP comprises a truncated L1 protein.
 5. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises a one or more VLPs from one or more additional HPV genotvpes.
 6. The vaccine composition according to claim 5 wherein the one or more VLPs are selected from the group consisting of an HPV 33 VLP, an HPV 35 VLP, an HPV 52 VLP, an HPV 53 VLP, an HPV 56 VLP, an HPV 58 VLP and an HPV 59 VLP.
 7. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 which is at least 60% effective in preventing cervical cancer.
 8. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 further comprising an HPV early antigen or immunologically active fragment thereof, the antigen selected from the group consisting of E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7 and E8.
 9. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 formulated with an antigen derived from an organism causing a sexually transmitted disease.
 10. The vaccine composition according to claim 9 wherein the antigen is an HSV antigen or immunologically active fragment thereof.
 11. The vaccine composition according to claim 9 wherein the antigen is a chlamydia antigen or immunologically active fragment thereof.
 12. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein at least one VLP further comprises an HPV L2 protein or fragment thereof.
 13. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the adjuvant comprises an aluminium salt.
 14. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the adjuvant comprises aluminium hydroxide.
 15. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the adjuvant comprises 3D-MPL.
 16. A method of making the vaccine composition of claim 1, the method comprising combining an HPV 16 VLP, an HPV 18 VLP, an HPV 31 VLP, an HPV 45 VLP, and an adjuvant.
 17. A method of prevention of HPV infection or treatment of HPV, the method comprising delivering to an individual at risk of infection an effective amount of a vaccine composition according to claim
 1. 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the VLPs are adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide before combining.
 19. The vaccine composition according claim 1 wherein the antibody response against a given VLP type in the vaccine is at least 50% that of the antibody response of that same VLP type when measured individually.
 20. The vaccine composition according claim 1 wherein the immune response generated by the vaccine is at a level in which the protective effect of each VLP type is still seen.
 21. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the adjuvant comprises an aluminium salt and 3D-MPL.
 22. The vaccine composition according to claim 1 wherein the adjuvant comprises QS21. 